The department inspected the hospital on Tuesday (3/6) after the Public Servants Association (PSA) escalated ongoing health and safety concerns to it.

It was found for the past two years, there has been no warm water or air conditioning in wards 10A or 10B, both paediatric units. Consequently, the wards are freezing in winter and boiling in summer, posing a risk to patients and staff, said the PSA.

The Labour Department also noted water leakage in the wards and the absence of a fire escape in the wards.

Labour allowed the wards to remain open, because visible efforts are being made to fix the problems, said Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi. “The Department of Health is committed to making sure that it adheres to its occupational health and safety plan.”

The Department of Health is concerned that the situation is not ideal, but the commitment is to make sure that patient safety and care are not compromised while adhering to occupational health and safety regulations.

The FF Plus has asked Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi to take urgent steps to get the wards operational again. In a letter, the party reminded him that it is unacceptable for his department to disregard legislation while the government expects all sectors to comply with it, said FF Plus MPL Armand Cloete.

The prohibition notice by the Department of Labour. Photo: FF Plus/MPL Armand Cloete

“It is well known that state hospitals in the Free State are in a dire condition, and this, while the ANC government is pressing ahead with the National Health Insurance, which will only make it worse.”

The PSA calls on the Department of Health to prioritise the health of patients and healthcare workers and to take immediate corrective action.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg